Clothing Consignment

It's almost time to pack up summer clothing and pull out the fall cardigans, scarves, hats, boots... *Sigh*, I do love autumn fashion. With each seasonal change, I like to assess my wardrobe and decide which pieces will make the cut for another year. Going through my threads also allows me to see any fashion "gaps" so that I can spend money wisely filling in my wardrobe. For example - rather than purchasing 10 new ruffled blouses (which I am apt to do), maybe I instead invest in a pair of black skinny jeans or a nice waist belt to tie together some existing pieces.

In any case, whatever doesn't make the cut can either be donated or, better yet, consigned. I save consignment for "gently used" clothing, shoes and accessories and tend to donate my more "heavily loved" pieces to Diversity Thrift. Here is my top 3 list of women's clothing consignment shops in Richmond. Each shop has a different niche, so read below to find yours. FYI, fall clothing consignment typically begins in August and runs through October when they switch to winter.

1. Clementine

In the heart of Carytown, Clementine offers young, hip women's clothing, shoes and handbags on consignment along with new hand-picked jewelry and accessories. The shop has a boutique feel to it, and the merchandising is extremely well done. I love the simple use of recycled materials and hand-written tags (adorable). There is no consignor sign-up fee, but they do ask that you make an appointment to bring any items by. Clementine accepts brands such as American Apparel, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Elevenses, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, Seven and Theory - just to name a few. For those of you who knows me, my clothing sells extremely well at Clementine. I average about $30 to $50 per season on +/- 5 items (usually on the lower end of the brand list). It's nice to have a little extra cash to put towards new clothing, or my social budget.

2. The Butterfly

While I don't consign with The Butterfly, my organizing colleagues can't say enough good things about this shop. It's their top choice for mid-level brands that they consign for their clients. While Clementine has a young and hip focus, The Butterfly stays fashion forward with a more conservative and "grown up" vibe. There is a one-time $15 consignor fee and they work by appointment only. The shop is located in Richmond's near West End at 5726 Patterson Ave. Contact them at (804) 288-4700 to set up an appointment.

3. Baggio

Located at 9734 Gayton Rd 10 minutes from Short Pump, Baggio is Richmond's premiere designer label consignment shop. Norma Santamaria, Baggio's owner and a friend of mine, just launched an awesome new website so be sure to click the link above and check it out. The lovely shop feels like a high end boutique that you might find in New York City. They accepts brands such as Armani, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Oscar de la Renta and Prada. There is a $20 annual consignor fee - check the website for other specific consignment policies.

For kid's clothing, I recommend Kid to Kid. Any items that don't sell with Clementine usually go to Plato's Closet. Both of these shops buy rather than consign, so you get immediate cash for any items they accept. No appointments needed. Unfortunately men's consignment has not caught on in Richmond to my knowledge.

Consignment is super easy and rewarding in my experience - definitely give it a try if you haven't already! Also, while you're dropping off your stuff at these shops, be sure to look around. It's hard for me to leave Clementine without a cute pair of earrings (at the least) and Baggio obviously has an amazing selection of designer threads and accessories. Consignment is not only great for your wallet (usually 1/3 to 1/2 of retail value) but buying used is good for the environment as well!

Kristen Ziegler